Apogee Strong

Are you running out of energy before you run out of ideas?You’ve got the vision, the drive, and maybe even the team — but somehow, your business still feels stuck in neutral. What if the problem isn’t your strategy… but your momentum?In this episode, we dive deep into the science — and the soul — of small business growth. Our guest, Chip Higgins, knows exactly what it feels like to hit that wall. After decades in executive leadership and banking, Chip saw a critical gap: small business owners weren’t getting access to the same strategic insight and momentum-building tools that corporations rely on.So he built a solution.As the Founder of Bizzics and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum, Chip has turned the timeless laws of physics into a powerful framework for entrepreneurs — showing how mass, velocity, and energy apply to leadership, team building, and purpose-driven growth.Chip’s passion is contagious. He believes small businesses don’t need to be big to be massive — they just need the right momentum. In this inspiring conversation, he reveals how to create lasting energy in your business, overcome burnout, and build something that truly lasts.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion into purposeful movement — this episode is your roadmap.Quotes:"Passion moves you off center, from kind of a potential energy standpoint, into kinetic, like you're willing to do something about it. But, you know, it's really the purpose of it that keeps you going through all of it.""Until you're really risking and willing to fail, you'll always be minimized in the impact that you're having.""I think that level of transparency and humility, of being open, you're constantly amazed at what will come to you if you're open hearted with people about what you're doing." Actionable Takeaways:Audit your business momentum. Ask yourself: Where is my energy going—and is it creating forward motion or just friction? Identify one area where effort isn’t translating to progress and refocus it.Shift from passion to purpose. Passion gets you started, but purpose keeps you moving. Define why your business exists beyond profit—and make sure every decision aligns with that mission.Build “mass” before “velocity.” Strengthen your team, culture, and systems first. Sustainable growth comes from density—creating a business that can handle acceleration without falling apart.Monitor your energy management, not just time. Track what drains and fuels your energy daily. Replace one draining task this week by delegating or automating it.Reflect on your authenticity. Ask: Am I building a business that truly reflects who I am and what I believe? Authenticity is momentum fuel—without it, burnout is inevitable.Conclusion:Momentum isn’t just about moving faster—it’s about moving with purpose. Chip Higgins reminds us that small businesses don’t need to be big to make a massive impact. What matters is direction, energy, and authenticity. When you align your passion with purpose and lead with intention, you create a force that doesn’t just sustain your business—it transforms it.So take a breath, refocus your energy, and start building the kind of momentum that lasts.

Are you truly preparing yourself—and your family—for the future? Or are you following traditional paths like college and career that may actually be leaving you vulnerable?Today's guest, Matt Smith, is an American entrepreneur and economic commentator who walked away from convention to build a resilient life. Now based in Uruguay running a regenerative cattle ranch, he co-hosts Doug Casey’s Take podcast, publishes the Crisis Investing newsletter, and just co-authored The Preparation: How to Become Competent, Confident, and Dangerous with Doug Casey and his 20-year-old son.In this conversation, Matt shares how to become truly self-reliant in uncertain times—covering education, economics, and the timeless virtues that build competence and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive, not just survive, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Quotes:“Real confidence only comes through competency. When you become good at anything, even just one thing, it becomes a beachhead you can build on.” “You are the average of the five closest people around you. Choosing those people consciously is really critical, and makes all the difference.” “The environment is going to create different desires in you. Humans look to other humans to figure out what they want.” Actionable Takeaways:Question the Default Path: Ask yourself, Am I pursuing this career, degree, or lifestyle because I chose it—or because culture told me to? Write down what you truly want versus what you’ve been conditioned to want.Design Your Peer Environment: Evaluate the five people you spend the most time with. Do they push you toward competence, confidence, and independence—or keep you stuck in mediocrity? Make one intentional change this week.Lower Your Time Preference: Practice delaying gratification. Instead of chasing short-term comfort, invest time, money, or effort into something that will make you stronger in 5–10 years.Build Competence in One Area: Pick a skill—physical, financial, or intellectual—and commit to deliberate practice. Confidence flows from demonstrated competence.Create Your Personal Code: Draft a short written set of principles (3–5 lines) that define who you are and the kind of man or woman you want to become. Revisit it weekly.ConclusionIn a world where uncertainty is the only guarantee, Matt Smith reminds us that true preparation isn’t about credentials or checking boxes—it’s about becoming the kind of person who can adapt, lead, and thrive no matter what comes. Competence, confidence, and resilience don’t happen by accident; they’re built through intentional choices, delayed gratification, and surrounding yourself with the right people and principles.The challenge is simple yet profound: Are you preparing to merely survive, or to live with strength, independence, and purpose? The time to start building that future is now.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly rushing, juggling everything, yet never truly present? Stress, anxiety, and screen addictions aren’t just bad habits—they’re rewiring your brain.This week’s guest, Dr. Trish Leigh, a neurofeedback expert and brain health coach, reveals how to retrain your brain for focus, calm, and authentic joy. With her unique blend of cutting-edge science and lived experience as a mother of five, she helps people break free from overwhelm, screen dependence, and unhealthy patterns.Discover how multitasking sabotages your well-being, why screen use is reshaping kids’ brains, and the practical steps you can take today to rewire your mind for resilience, presence, and lasting performance.Quotes:“You have to not only give yourself permission to relax, but see the utter importance of it to be able to accomplish the things that you want.”“If you can regulate yourself, you can have that higher level of conversation, even when you’re coming up against conflict.”“Do something—do one thing every day that scares you.”Actionable Takeaways:Audit Your Daily Schedule: Identify the moments that leave you feeling rushed or dysregulated, then restructure your day to reduce rushing and create space for calm focus.Rewire Your Brain for Regulation: Practice recognizing your stress “cues” (e.g., feeling rushed, tightening finances, snapping at loved ones) and use grounding techniques—like pausing, breathing, or stepping back—to reset before burnout.Digital Dopamine Detox: Take inventory of your screen habits and replace one “quick dopamine hit” activity (doom-scrolling, binge-watching) with a real-life joy activity that brings deeper fulfillment.Redefine Joy vs. Dopamine: Ask yourself, “Am I chasing quick stimulation, or choosing experiences that give me true joy?” Then schedule at least one authentic joy activity this week.Break Multitasking Habits: Commit to being fully present in one area of your life—work, family, or rest—rather than juggling everything at once. Notice how your energy and focus shift.ConclusionAt the end of the day, your brain is your most valuable asset—and the way you train it determines how you show up in every part of your life. Dr. Trish Leigh reminds us that stress, screen dependence, and constant multitasking don’t just make us tired; they rewire us for burnout. But with awareness, intentional practices, and the right tools, we can rewire for focus, calm, joy, and resilience.The challenge—and the opportunity—is to ask yourself: Am I living the life I truly want, or the one I’ve been programmed to accept? The choice to reshape your brain and your future starts today.

What happens when you do everything society tells you—earn the degrees, land the secure job, build the perfect life—only to find yourself feeling empty? Why do so many men chase grit, competition, and accomplishments, yet still end up lost? And what if the real answer isn’t in choosing between education or trade skills, city or wilderness, but in forging a life that blends both?Our guest today, Zach Hanson, has lived that journey. A former AI and machine-learning product management expert who helped build technology at the cutting edge, Zach walked away from the “safe” path to pursue something deeper. His story took him from competitive Jiu Jitsu and a tech career to the most remote town in Idaho, where he rebuilt his life after divorce through hunting, trapping, writing, and faith.Zach is not only an avid hunter, trapper, and trade advocate, but also a thought leader who bridges two worlds—the resilience of hands-on trades and the innovation of artificial intelligence. Today, he lives with his wife and three children at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in rural Idaho, proving every day that success isn’t about titles or paychecks, but about discipline, curiosity, and a God-centered life.In this conversation, Zach shares hard-won lessons on self-reliance, the dangers of over-education without real skills, and why rediscovering community, faith, and practical knowledge may be the antidote to the frustrations so many men face.Quotes:"The arc of the book is, what I found out is I actually found community there. I found God there. And it was all through my trying to run away and have these experiences which were great, but took me full circle to realize that I actually really need community.""If you have the desire, you will find a way. Now there is a component of grit to that, but it is desire full stop, and that has kind of changed my mindset very recently.""When people ask, that's what I you know, that's my identity. Now, it's not I'm some fancy worker, whatever like I'm talking about the things that bring me joy as an individual, and those things do."Key Takeaways:Expand your definition of education – Don’t settle for “college or bust.” Ask yourself: What practical skills could I learn right now that would make me more self-reliant? Start with something simple like changing your own oil, learning basic welding, or even gardening.Audit your identity – How do you introduce yourself? Do you define yourself only by your job title, or by the passions and skills that truly bring you joy? Reframe your identity around what aligns with your values and long-term vision.Practice relentless curiosity – Treat everyday tasks as opportunities to learn. Instead of outsourcing everything, ask: Could I figure this out myself? Watch a tutorial, take a class, or shadow someone skilled.Prioritize communication and honesty in relationships – Daily devotionals, hard questions, and open dialogue can prevent small frustrations from eroding intimacy. What’s one honest conversation you’ve been avoiding? Have it this week.Balance grit with desire – Discipline will get you far, but true growth comes when your actions align with what you deeply desire. Reflect: Am I grinding out of obligation, or pursuing something I truly want?Zach’s story is a reminder that fulfillment doesn’t come from following a prescribed path, but from daring to carve out your own. Whether it’s through sharpening practical skills, deepening your faith, or embracing relentless curiosity, the challenge is the same: stop outsourcing your growth and start owning it. His journey—from artificial intelligence labs to the remote mountains of Idaho—proves that resilience and wisdom are forged not in comfort, but in the willingness to step into the unknown.

Do you feel like the stock market is a game rigged against everyday people? Maybe you’ve tried dabbling in stocks, only to be overwhelmed with emotions, paralyzed by indecision, or burned by losses. Why do some investors consistently win while most struggle to even get started? And what if the key to building wealth isn’t luck—or insider knowledge—but a proven system that takes the guesswork out of investing?Enter Sean Tepper. Sean is the Founder and CEO of Tykr, a platform empowering over 12,000 customers across 50+ countries to confidently navigate the stock market. His journey reflects a deep understanding of both business and investment, honed over 20+ years in the corporate world and 15+ years dedicated to building wealth. He built and successfully merged a thriving agency in the 2000s, followed by a decade (2011–2023) as a highly sought-after project management consultant for industry giants like GE, Kohler, Kohl’s, and Direct Supply.What makes Sean unique is not just his experience, but his passion for making financial literacy accessible to all. In 2016, he created a simple Excel-based investment tool that generated over 15% returns for himself. By 2020, he transformed it into Tykr, a sophisticated yet user-friendly software platform designed to take emotions out of investing and empower people to grow wealth with confidence.In this episode, Sean shares how he went from corporate consultant to entrepreneur, why most traders fail while investors succeed, and the principles behind Tykr that can help you achieve greater financial freedom—and a more fulfilling life.Quotes:“People really want more than anything, and you hit on the word, which is confidence—they want the ability to know what stocks to look for, what to avoid. It’s literally the rest your head on your pillow at night and sleep better than you ever had before.”“Let us not become weary in doing good, because at the right time, you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up. If you’re providing value and there are people that are verbally saying thank you, or like you’re seeing people that are getting results, but you’ve got no fruit out of it—not yet—keep doing it.”“It’s the little steps. There’s too many people set like, these massive goals, and then if they don’t hit it, they’re disappointed and disappointed stop. It’s the little steps, that’s what you want to chip away at.”Key Takeaways:Invest, don’t trade → Ask yourself: are you trying to “get rich quick” by trading, or building long-term wealth through disciplined investing? 99% of traders lose money—investors win by letting their money work for them.Focus beats diversification (at first) → Instead of spreading thin across dozens of stocks, concentrate on 10–15 strong businesses if you’re in growth mode. Diversification is for wealth protection later, not wealth building now.Use math, not emotions → Before making your next investment move, ask: Am I reacting emotionally, or am I following a proven system? Building confidence starts by trusting data over feelings.ConclusionSean Tepper proves that investing doesn’t have to be overwhelming, emotional, or reserved for Wall Street insiders. With the right system, the right mindset, and a commitment to values, anyone can build wealth and confidence in the stock market. His journey with Tykr is a reminder that financial literacy is not just about numbers—it’s about empowerment, freedom, and creating a life of greater impact.If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to start investing, this episode shows you that the best time is now—and that you don’t have to do it alone.

Are you tired of chasing quick fixes for your health—pills for every symptom, supplements that don’t work, and doctors who never really ask why you’re struggling? What if the real answers to your pain, fatigue, or hormonal issues aren’t in another prescription, but in discovering and healing the root cause?Today’s guest, Kelsey Koehler, knows this firsthand. From surviving a controlling cult and an abusive marriage to secretly pursuing her education in functional medicine, her story is nothing short of extraordinary. Kelsey turned personal adversity into a mission: helping people reclaim their health, longevity, and freedom through functional medicine that actually works.She’s the founder of Profit High Performance Medicine, where she and her team blend advanced lab testing, root-cause analysis, nutrition, and hormone optimization to restore the body from the inside out. Her work doesn’t stop there—Kelsey is also pioneering new ways to serve veterans through a nonprofit that provides holistic solutions for PTSD, TBI, and other service-related health challenges.If you’ve ever wondered why your body still struggles despite doing “all the right things,” or if you want to learn how to build true resilience—physically, mentally, and emotionally—this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about health and give you a glimpse of what’s really possible.Quotes:“I define functional medicine as looking at the body as a whole, instead of siphoning it into a set of symptoms.”“I always operated based on my internal values. I never wanted to lie, manipulate, or use my body as a selling point to my programs.”“Instead of looking at what everybody else was doing, I was envisioning what my future was going to be and what I wanted.”Key Takeaways:Stop masking symptoms—ask “why?” → Before reaching for another prescription or supplement, dig deeper into the root causes of your health issues. What patterns, habits, or stressors might be driving them?Audit your daily environment → Look at your sleep, nutrition, toxins, and stress load. Which of these areas could be quietly sabotaging your energy, hormones, or mental health?Invest in testing, not guessing → Consider comprehensive lab work (blood, stool, genetics) to uncover the real story behind your symptoms instead of relying on one-size-fits-all treatments.Rewire your thinking → Explore tools like Neuro-Linguistic Programming or guided meditation (such as Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work) to help calm your nervous system and retrain your brain’s stress response.Build resilience through values → Ask yourself: Am I operating from integrity, or just following what others say works? Living by your own clear internal code is the foundation for lasting health, relationships, and leadership.Conclusion:Kelsey Koehler’s story is proof that even in the face of trauma, abuse, and broken systems, resilience and integrity can lead to true transformation. Her approach to functional medicine isn’t just about healing the body—it’s about restoring the whole person, inside and out. This conversation challenges us to stop settling for surface-level fixes and instead take ownership of our health, values, and future.If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible for your body, your mind, and your life—this episode is where that journey begins.

Do you ever feel trapped by the same old script—go to college, get the job, chase security—only to wonder if you’ll end up unfulfilled and unprepared? What if there was a different path—one that builds real skills, character, and opportunity?In this episode, we sit down with Maxim Smith, the very first beta tester of The Preparation—a four-year alternative to college designed to shape capable, virtuous leaders. At just 20 years old, Maxim has already become an EMT, fought wildfires, sailed through the Strait of Magellan, packed mules in the Rockies, flown planes, and worked on geophysics crews—all while studying economics, agriculture, and languages.Maxim’s mission is simple yet powerful: to become the man he wants to be—and inspire others to start their own preparation. His story will challenge how you think about education, success, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s world.Quotes:"I think one of the benefits of going on your own path at a young age is that you can lean heavily on the people around you without them pitying you for not knowing what to do.""Almost every experience is different than you think it's going to be. The deeper you get in, the more you realize, gosh, there's so much I don't know.""The purpose of activities is not just to do fun stuff, but it's also to build smaller competencies in areas that are more fun."Key Takeaways:Redefine success: Instead of asking “What do I want to have?” start asking “Who do I want to be?” and let that guide your daily actions.Create your own preparation cycle: Pick one skill or challenge you’ve been avoiding—physical, intellectual, or creative—and dedicate the next 90 days to immersing yourself in it.Build your personal code: Write down the virtues and principles you want to live by. Use this as a compass when making difficult choices.Share your journey publicly: Start a Substack, blog, or simple weekly update on social media. Reflection plus accountability will accelerate your growth.Question the illusion of security: Ask yourself, Am I pursuing the safe path because it’s right—or just because it’s expected?Conclusion:Maxim Smith’s journey proves that growth doesn’t come from following a scripted path—it comes from embracing challenges, building skills, and pursuing virtue over comfort. His story is a reminder that the most important question isn’t “What will I achieve?” but “Who will I become?”The Preparation isn’t just an alternative to college—it’s a blueprint for becoming capable, confident, and ready to seize opportunities in an uncertain world. Whether you’re 18 or 48, the challenge remains the same: step into discomfort, create your own preparation, and start building the life—and the character—you were meant for.

Do you ever feel like leadership is reserved only for people with titles, positions, or big personalities? Maybe you’ve doubted yourself, wondering if you’re “enough” to step up—or feared that mistakes and emotions might disqualify you from leading. What if leadership wasn’t about power or perfection, but about ownership, influence, and the small choices you make every day?Today's guest, Jamie Cochran, proves exactly that. Jamie is the Chief Operating Officer at Echelon Front, the premier leadership consultancy founded by former Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Over the last 12 years, Jamie has helped organizations of every size—from startups to global enterprises—develop leaders at every level. She not only runs the operational side of the business but also teaches leadership principles in the field, guiding teams to adopt practical tools for real-world challenges.What makes Jamie unique is her belief that leadership is the solution to every problem. She shows that anyone—whether you’re a student, a parent, a CEO, or a teammate—can lead with courage, humility, and clarity. Drawing on principles like Extreme Ownership, detachment from emotion, and the power of the “read back,” Jamie equips people with tools to influence others positively, solve problems effectively, and grow through mistakes rather than fear them.Her passion is clear: helping people realize they already have what it takes to lead, and showing them how to practice leadership in every corner of life—at home, at work, and within themselves.Quotes:"Leadership exists at every level. Any human being who's interacting with other human beings has an opportunity to influence them, and so you're a leader in whatever capacity that might be.""Leadership is something that can be learned. Even the best leaders have more opportunity to grow.""Our tendency as human beings is to let our emotions or our ego or our own opinions and perspectives sort of prevent us from seeing the truth of a situation."Actionable Takeaways:Practice Extreme Ownership. Instead of making excuses or blaming others, ask yourself: What part of this situation can I own? Write down one mistake you’ve made recently and identify one step you can take to fix or learn from it.Detach before deciding. Emotions cloud judgment. Build your own “detachment action plan” (like Jamie’s daughter did)—three quick things you can do to reset when you’re angry, stressed, or overwhelmed (e.g., take a walk, breathe deeply, write it out).Use the “read back” method. When someone gives you instructions, repeat back what you heard in your own words. This not only prevents miscommunication but also builds trust and shows you’re fully engaged.Look for leadership opportunities everywhere. Ask: Where can I step up today without being asked? Whether at home, school, or work, find one area where you can take initiative and serve others.Redefine failure as growth. Instead of fearing mistakes, view them as training reps. Journal: What’s one recent failure, what did it teach me, and how can I apply that lesson moving forward?Conclusion:Jamie’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about rank, title, or perfection—it’s about responsibility, humility, and the willingness to own our actions. Through Extreme Ownership, detachment from emotion, and practical tools like the read back, she shows that anyone can step into leadership right where they are. Her message is clear: the problems we face are really leadership problems, and the solutions begin with us.

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite fit into the traditional mold—whether in sports, school, or even life? Maybe you’ve tried the “standard” path but never felt at home, and deep down you wonder if there’s something more—something uniquely yours. What if the obstacles you face aren’t there to stop you, but to reveal your true strength? And what would it look like to transform those setbacks into a platform for purpose, impact, and leadership?Today's guest, Karsten Williams, embodies that very journey. From humble beginnings to becoming an 11-time American Ninja Warrior national finalist, Karsten has proven that resilience, creativity, and grit can carry you far beyond conventional boundaries. He turned his passion for movement into not only personal success, but also a mission to inspire others through mentorship, leadership, and community.Karsten Williams is an 11-time American Ninja Warrior national finalist, elite coach, and founder of Ninja Project—a movement platform redefining youth fitness and functional entertainment. With over a decade of experience across 50+ ninja gyms and events, he’s on a mission to turn everyday people into champions through movement, mindset, and mentorship.What makes Karsten unique is not just his decorated Ninja Warrior career, but his passion for creating spaces where belonging meets possibility. He’s leading a new generation to see obstacles not as limitations, but as opportunities to grow stronger, more confident, and more resilient. His story reminds us that failure isn’t the end—it’s the very foundation of greatness.Quotes:"Always stay true to you, don’t compare yourself, and don’t try to do what others can do. They might have a unique skill set that I don’t necessarily have.""I want to create a space for those people that feel like they’re maybe underserved, can come in and have their own experience, and have someone that can love on them, pour into them, encourage them, and it’s a win for everybody.""When you do get to the top or experience that success, it’s that much more meaningful and impactful because you know what the bottom feels like."Actionable Takeaways:Turn failure into fuel. Ask yourself: Where have I let a setback define me instead of refine me? Write down one failure you’ve experienced and list three lessons you gained from it.Run your own race. Don’t copy someone else’s path. Identify one area of life where you’ve been comparing yourself to others—then outline one action that reflects your strengths and style instead.Redefine obstacles. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow. This week, reframe a personal or professional obstacle by writing how it could actually serve as preparation for a future win.Create belonging for others. Who in your circle feels “on the outside” or like they don’t have a place? Reach out and invite them into an activity, group, or conversation that builds connection.Pursue impact, not just success. Ask: If I keep going the way I am, what legacy will I leave behind? Journal about one way you can shift your daily habits from self-focus to serving others.Conclusion:Karsten’s journey reminds us that obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re invitations to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. From crashing on his very first Ninja Warrior course to becoming an 11-time national finalist and mentor to thousands, he proves that success is built on perseverance, humility, and the courage to run your own race. His story challenges us to see every setback as a setup for impact—and to pursue a life that inspires others to rise above their own obstacles.

Are you stuck trying to figure out your next move? Maybe you’ve got the talent, the passion, and even the drive—but you’re wrestling with doubt, outside pressure, or the fear of failure. What if the real problem isn’t the obstacles in front of you, but the mindset you carry into the fight? What would it look like to bet on yourself fully—no plan B, no safety net—and actually win?Today's guest, Greg Siewers, knows that battle better than most. Known to many as the Michael Jordan of paintball, Greg turned an obsession he discovered at age nine into a professional career that took him around the world, earning multiple world championships and representing Team USA. But Greg’s story doesn’t stop with sports. He’s a serial risk-taker who carried the lessons of elite competition into entrepreneurship—building gyms from scratch, scaling them to six-figure revenues, selling them at a profit, and now launching a supplement brand with the same relentless drive.Greg Siewers is a former World Champion paintball player, multi-gym owner, and now CEO of MAPtrition Supplements. His goal is to simplify fitness and nutrition for all levels as he works toward reaching 1,000,000 people, helping them become healthier, happier, and more dangerous versions of themselves. Known as the Michael Jordan of paintball by fans of the sport, Greg has translated the mindset of elite competition into entrepreneurship—building gyms, scaling them to six-figure revenues, selling them for profit, and now creating a supplement brand rooted in integrity and performance.What makes Greg unique isn’t just his achievements—it’s the way he translates the high-pressure mindset of world-class athletics into the everyday grind of business and life. He knows what it means to silence doubt, push past resistance, and take risks others wouldn’t dare to try. And in this conversation, he shares exactly how you can apply those same principles to your own journey—whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or simply trying to lead yourself and others with confidence.Quotes:"If I just keep trying. As miserable as it is, it's okay if it's miserable, but if I keep trying, it'll work." "There was no plan B. If everything burned to the ground, I'm so able and willing to work hard to build it again that it won't matter." "No one can teach you that. So the fact that you failed and are willing to do it again, you now have a stack of undeniable proof that you are willing and able to do that thing." Actionable Takeaways:Bet on yourself with no plan B. Ask: If I stripped away the safety nets, would I still go all in? Write down one area of your life where you’ve been holding back out of fear—and commit to a decisive action this week.Focus on the “first 10 seconds.” Like Greg visualized the opening play in paintball, break down your next big challenge into the smallest first step. What’s the single action that will get you moving forward today?Reframe failure. Instead of asking, What if I fail? ask, What would I learn if I failed—and how would I rebuild? Journal through both the worst-case and best-case outcomes of a risk you’re considering.Surround yourself with A-players. Evaluate your circle—are the people closest to you challenging you to grow, or are you the smartest person in the room? Commit to connecting with one mentor, peer, or network that’s operating at the next level.Choose purpose over noise. Identify the “signal” that actually drives your goals and cut one distraction this week—whether it’s chasing trends, busywork, or other people’s opinions.Conclusion:Greg’s journey proves that greatness isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about having the courage to step into uncertainty, commit fully, and outlast everyone else. Whether on the paintball field, in the gym, or in business, his story is a reminder that betting on yourself is the most powerful investment you can ever make.